There is a new North Star in the world of cricket, and it shines from the Great White North. On a sultry Tuesday evening at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, the story of 2026 t20 world cup Moved from traditional powerhouse to 19-year-old sensation Canada.
Yuvraj Singh Samra Not just scored a century; They rewrote the record books, destroyed a world-class bowling attack, and announced the arrival of Associate cricket on the grandest stage of them all. As he raced for a double off his 58th ball, the Chepauk crowd, traditionally one of the world’s most savvy, stood up to salute the youngest centurion in men’s T20 World Cup history.
Who is Yuvraj Samra? Know interesting facts about the youngest T20 World Cup century-scorer
1. Story behind the name
Name “Yuvraj Singh“There is a heavy weight in cricket, evoking memories of sixes and fearless dominance. For Yuvraj Samra, the name was inevitable since birth. His father, Baljeet SamraA die-hard fan of the Indian legend, he had insisted on the name long before his son picked up a bat. Growing up in the thriving cricket hubs of Ontario, Yuvraj realized at the age of 12 that he was not named after just a cricketer, but a legacy.
“My dad was there, my dad told them [about the name]. He said, oh, it’s cool, he’s just laughing. I don’t remember when it was, it was when he played for the Toronto Nationals [in 2019]. And then now I met him when Super 60 started, that is, last year, in 2025. It’s amazing how he hits the ball. It’s really fun to watch. My father always wants me to imitate him. But I always say I want to be my version of myself.” Yuvraj had said this in an interview given to ESPNCricinfo.
2. Early career and domestic success
Samra’s journey through the Canadian domestic circuit was nothing short of meteoric. Standing tall with a left-handed stance that reflected the beauty of his idol, he became a fixture in Global T20 Canada LeagueWhere he often defeated international superstars. His domestic success was built on the foundation of clean striking and an uncanny ability to find gaps in the powerplay. Unlike many young power-hitters who struggle with the transition to longer formats, Samra showed temperament beyond his years and topped the run charts. ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League.
3. A unique similarity between the princes
What makes Samra unique is his “minimalist” approach at the crease. Although he does not rely heavily on footwork, his exceptional bat swing, which he attributes to hours of watching vintage Yuvraj highlights, allows him to generate immense power. This combination of natural timing and brute strength made him the cornerstone of Canada’s qualification campaign, where he emerged as the leading run-getter, manifesting the same moment that ultimately unfolded in Chennai.
Also read: Top 5 youngest century scorers in T20 World Cup history ft Yuvraj Samra
Samra’s explosive century dismantles New Zealand’s bowling line-up in T20 World Cup 2026
When Canada came out to bat against New Zealand, few expected a historic massacre. The Black Caps were believed to be shorthanded with the captain michel santner Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was sidelined with food poisoning and went on paternity leave. However, a bowling attack consisting of players like matt henry And Ish Sodhi There was never a B-team.
While his opening partner Dilpreet Bajwa Struggling to find his rhythm on the calm but slow pitch of Chepauk, Samra played as if he was on a different pitch altogether. He hit the arc between long-on and mid-wicket with surgical precision. When New Zealand’s spinners tried to pull the length back, Samra displayed his “OG” effect, leaning back and thrashing them over extra cover with a high-elbow finish that did his name proud.
The identity of this innings was Samra’s fitness and intentions. Despite the scorching heat of Chennai, his strike rotation remained elite. He completed his half-century in just 26 balls, but it was the second half of his innings that showed his maturity. He did not raise slogans; He navigated. As the crowd of 15,000 began to realize they were witnessing history, the pressure increased, yet Samara remained cool.
The moment of victory came in the last over. Flick achieved the milestone for two runs over deep midwicket. At the age of 19, he overtook the previous record for the youngest T20 World Cup century, a feat that stood as a benchmark for the game’s brightest talents.
“I revealed it. Every day I dreamed of scoring a century on this stage. To do this in my first appearance… it really is a dream come true,he told broadcasters, his voice thick with emotion.
For Canada, Samra is more than a talented opening batsman; He is the face of a new era. To the rest of the world, he is a reminder that talent knows no boundaries. As the 2026 T20 World Cup approaches, the outlook has changed.